Via Dolorosa: The Way of Self-Denial

by Sis. Tanya Bico

Reading for the day: Luke 9:21-24

“Down the Via Dolorosa
Called the Way of Suffering
Like a Lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King
But He chose to walk that road
Out of His love for you and me
Down the Via Dolorosa
All the way to Calvary”

Via Dolorosa, a song you may be familiar with–often featured in Holy Week presentations or Passion plays–is Latin for “way of suffering” or “sorrowful way”. It is attributed to the route Jesus took while carrying his cross, leading to his crucifixion.

But Via Dolorosa also serves as a reminder of the kind of path we are meant to take as followers of Jesus.

The call to deny one’s self was modeled by our Lord Jesus Himself, when he came down from heaven to earth. Indeed the road leading to Calvary was not the only instance where he faced suffering but his very life and ministry was marked with countless sacrifices.

As followers of Christ, this is the way we are meant to live by and endure, the way of self-denial.

It may seem like an absurd or challenging task, considering that we live in a generation where people are “lovers of self” “without self-control” “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). And yet, God in his grace teaches us how we can set aside our natural, selfish inclinations, and choose something that is far better.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12)

These sacrifices are not without purpose. The ultimate goal is to gain Christ, to experience and know Jesus, and so be more like Him. (Philippians 3:8-10)

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3:8 ESV

Our Prayer and Fasting month is one of the many ways self-denial ties in with our way of service. We set aside our physical needs, for something only God can fill. More than food, we hunger for God’s moving and presence in our lives. Although it may not be easy, we engage in these disciplines of prayer and fasting to redirect us to the ways that are Christ-like.

But make no mistake, self-denial is not meant to be only for a season, but rather a daily undertaking on the part of every believer.

“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

Self-denial is not meant to be only for a season, but rather a daily undertaking on the part of every believer.

Kicking off our Prayer and Fasting Month, brethren across the district are in one accord during the Home Free Prayer and Fasting Sunday

Every day, we must choose to be more like Christ and embrace godly suffering.

Every day, we must resolve to live a holy life and renounce our old ways.

Every day, let us take up our cross, and look to Jesus who sacrificed himself first for us.

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

Let us continue to take up our cross, as we follow Jesus. This prayer and fasting month, and even beyond, let us take the path of self-denial.

Reflection: In what ways do you take up your cross daily? What challenges do you face as you deny yourself? How do you overcome them?